( KTRS ) A new contract for Schnucks employees was overwhelmingly rejected last night.

There were 250 votes in favor of the proposed contract but, 1,934 votes against. The current 3-year contract expired in May and has been extended on a day-by-day basis as talks continue. To date, there have been about 30 negotiating sessions.

Local 655 Union President David Cook says that over the past 9 years, Schnucks’ employees have agreed to cost neutral contracts to help keep the company competitive. The rejected contract proposal would reportedly require significant cuts in health benefits, reduce the number of full-time jobs, and “provides no meaningful” increase in wages.

By rejecting the contract, a strike authorization was given by the membership. But union leaders say a strike is a last resort and they will go back to the bargaining table and try to work out a better deal.